Firearms, commercial quantities of drugs seized in major police operation in Geelong

Twenty people, including a 14-year-old boy, have been arrested during a major police operation across Geelong, targeting illicit drugs and imitation firearms.

Cropped view of teenage boy being handcuffed.

A 14-year-old boy was among 20 people arrested after a major four-day police operation across Greater Geelong.

Officers from Geelong Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) and Crime Command’s VIPER Taskforce searched more than 40 homes from June 17 to 20, seizing illegal firearms and commercial quantities of drugs.

Police conducted 34 firearms prohibition order (FPO) searches and five drug warrants.

Those taken into custody include a 14-year-old boy, who was arrested after prohibited weapons and illicit drugs were found inside his home.

He has been charged with a string of offences including attempted armed robbery, aggravated burglary, possessing weapons and possessing a drug of dependence.

He will front a children’s court at a later date.

A 52-year-old Hamlyn Heights man was arrested after officers found a slam gun, ammunition and cannabis inside his home.

He has been charged with cultivating and possessing cannabis and possessing ammunition.

The man has been bailed to front the Geelong Magistrates Court on August 8.

A 40-year-old Belmont man was arrested after police seized two imitation firearms and large quantities of GHB and methylamphetamine at his property.

He has been charged with trafficking commercial quantities of GHB, trafficking methylamphetamine, possessing an imitation firearm and possessing prescription medication.

He was bailed and will front court on July 17.

An imitation firearm was also found at a Batesford home.

A 50-year-old man was arrested and charged with possessing an imitation firearm and ammunition.

He was bailed to front court on August 29.

A 32-year-old North Geelong man, who was wanted by police, was also arrested and charged with 10 counts of theft.

He was remanded to front court on July 4.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Guthrie from Geelong CIU said these operations aim to reduce firearm-related offences.

“We have the ability to call on specialised resources including the VIPER Taskforce, to assist us in combating criminal networks and remove illicit firearms from the wrong hands,” he said.

“Carrying firearms illegally is a dangerous game with severe consequences – and we will continue to run proactive operations across Greater Geelong to keep the community safe.”

Anyone with information on illegal firearms or drug activity should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Firearms, commercial quantities of drugs seized in major police operation in Geelong